SPLENDOURS OF THE SILK ROAD
Route: Ashgabat – Darvaza – Kunya-Urgench – Khiva – Bukhara – Gijduvan – Samarkand – Penjikent – Seven Lakes – Dushanbe – Kalai-Khumb – Khorog – Jelondi – Murghab – Sary-Tash – Osh – Arslanbob – Kazarman – Son-Kul – Bishkek – Issyk-Kul – Karakol – Saty – Charyn Canyon – Altyn-Emel – Almaty
This grand 35-day circuit is the ultimate Central Asian expedition. It crosses all five republics that are heirs to the Silk Road — from the Karakum Desert to the peaks of the Pamir, from the turquoise domes of Samarkand to the yurts of Kyrgyz nomads, from the crystalline lakes of the Fan Mountains to the spectacular canyons of Kazakhstan. This is a journey that embraces the dizzying diversity of the region: millennial civilisations, landscapes of breathtaking beauty, peoples with living traditions and legendary hospitality. An itinerary that does not merely skim the surface of Central Asia, but plunges deep into its heart.
Practical Information
📋 Visas: Turkmenistan requires a tourist visa, obtained on arrival at Ashgabat airport or at land border crossings. Visa fees (from USD 85) and the migration tax (USD 14) must be paid in cash in US dollars only and are non-refundable. Bills must be in good condition and recently issued (after 2008). We recommend bringing the exact amount; ten- and twenty-dollar bills will make the process smoother. Tajikistan requires a GBAO permit for the Gorno-Badakhshan region. Most European nationalities benefit from a visa exemption or e-visa for Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Sezam Voyages will assist you with all formalities.
🚧 Borders: Four border crossings are included: Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan–Tajikistan, Tajikistan–Kyrgyzstan and Kyrgyzstan–Kazakhstan. All are managed with the assistance of our local guides.
⛰️ Altitude: The circuit reaches 4,280 m at the Kyzyl-Art Pass (Day 17). Several days take place above 3,000 m (Jelondi, Murghab, Son-Kul). Acclimatisation is gradual. Consult your doctor before departure regarding altitude precautions.
🏕️ Accommodation: Varied and tailored to each stage: 3–4★ hotels in cities, nomadic yurts (Son-Kul, Issyk-Kul, Sary-Tash, Darvaza), homestays in villages (Kalai-Khumb, Murghab, Arslanbob, Kazarman). This circuit prioritises authenticity and human encounters.
🌡️ Climate: Highly variable depending on the stage. Hot in the deserts and cities (30–40°C), cool to cold at altitude (0–15°C at night on the Pamir and at Son-Kul). Bring layered clothing, a warm windproof jacket and comfortable shoes.
📌 Please note: The order of visits may be modified according to local conditions, without altering the programme content. Itineraries may be adjusted depending on road conditions, particularly along the Pamir Highway.
